Robert succeeds Peter Ducker FIH at the helm of the international professional body for current and aspiring hospitality leaders and managers.
An award-winning hotelier, Robert is no stranger to the IoH. In his previous role as general manager of the Cave Hotel in Kent and, before that, general manager of The Grand in Folkestone, Robert supported the institute as an active member of its supervisory board; in September 2020 he was elevated to the role of IoH vice-chairman. For his invaluable commitment to the aims of the IoH, he received the Institute of Hospitality Judges’ Award in 2018.
As incoming CEO, Robert is expected to build on the excellent legacy of Peter Ducker’s eight years as chief executive. Robert will be working closely with IoH Chair Kellie Rixon MBE FIH to lead and shape the role of the institute as it seeks to adapt to a post-pandemic world and aspires to chartered status.
Kellie Rixon MBE FIH said, ‘We could not be more thrilled to welcome Robert as our new CEO. We know he brings with him not only a wealth of hospitality industry experience and connections, but the respect of his peers in education and the wider community where he has dedicated so much of his time to raising the standards and stature of our amazing profession.
‘The IoH will draw on his huge passion, focus and drive to further excel as the industry’s recognised professional body. I look forward to working with Robert to achieve great things for the institute and our members in the UK and around the world.’
Robert Richardson FIH said, ‘As hospitality returns to the forefront of our economy and our daily lives after a year of unprecedented disruption and challenge, there has never been a more important time for our industry to cultivate strong leadership and management skills. We also need to attract and inspire future generations of talent, and I believe the IoH is perfectly placed to help support this. It is a huge honour to step up and lead our institute moving forward into a brave new post-lockdown world.’
